Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the train on November 1, and its commercial operations began from Mumbai on November 2. Described as the fastest train on the Bengaluru-Mumbai route, the service covers the journey in 16 hours and 10 minutes.
Despite the higher fares, the train has received a strong response at the outset. According to reports, seats across all classes have been booked, with passengers being placed on waiting lists for the next few weeks.
The fare difference between the Vande Bharat Sleeper and other trains on the route is substantial.
The new train offers three accommodation classes: AC 3 Tier, AC 2 Tier and AC 1 Tier. Passengers travelling between Bengaluru and Mumbai will have to pay Rs 2,810 for AC 3 Tier, Rs 3,630 for AC 2 Tier and Rs 4,450 for AC 1 Tier.
Compared with other trains operating on the route, the Vande Bharat Sleeper's AC 3 Tier fare is approximately 60% to 96% higher. The difference is around 65% to 78% for AC 2 Tier and 20% to 30% for AC 1 Tier.
The Coimbatore-Mumbai LTT Express (Train No. 11014) is among the fastest existing trains on the route. It takes approximately 21 hours and 55 minutes to travel from Bengaluru to Mumbai.
The train charges Rs 1,435 for AC 3 Tier, Rs 2,045 for AC 2 Tier and Rs 3,425 for AC 1 Tier. These fares are considerably lower than those of the new Vande Bharat Sleeper.
The Ajmer Express also takes approximately 22 hours to cover the same distance. Its AC 3 Tier ticket costs Rs 1,510, while AC 2 Tier and AC 1 Tier tickets are priced at Rs 2,155 and Rs 3,610, respectively.
Even the premium Humsafar Express offers a cheaper AC 3 Tier option. Its fare is Rs 1,725, compared with Rs 2,810 on the Vande Bharat Sleeper, making the new train approximately 63% more expensive.
The biggest advantage of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is the time it saves. Most trains connecting Bengaluru and Mumbai take 22 hours or more to cover the distance of over 1,100 kilometres.
The new service completes the journey in just 16 hours and 10 minutes, saving passengers nearly six hours.
The train is expected to appeal to travellers who want to reach their destination the following day after an overnight journey without spending as much time on the train.
Railway officials said approximately 22 trains operate between Bengaluru and Mumbai, including stations near the two cities. The new service is expected to provide another travel option on this busy route.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has previously defended the higher fares charged by premium trains such as the Vande Bharat.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha in March 2025, he said ticket prices were linked to the facilities available in different trains.
"Fares of different trains/classes are based on the facilities provided in these trains," Vaishnaw said.
He also stated that Indian Railways operates different trains to meet the requirements of various passenger groups.
The minister clarified that evaluating and rationalising passenger fares, including those of Vande Bharat trains, is an ongoing process.
The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper will depart from Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru (SMVT) at 7.45 pm and arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, at 11.55 am the following day.
On the return journey, the train will leave CSMT at 8.10 pm and reach SMVT Bengaluru at 12 noon the next day.
Brand new Vande Bharat Sleeper At CSMT Mumbai for its first commerical run today towards SMVT Bengaluru. Looks almost exactly like what was proposed in its render. Can't wait to get aboard a month later🤩 https://t.co/llZNxPqN9M
— ஆதிஸ்வரன் கோபால் (@_adish_in) November 2, 2026
The service will operate six days a week. It will not run from Bengaluru on Mondays or from Mumbai on Tuesdays.
The Railway Ministry said the overnight service would provide passengers with another convenient travel option while improving access to commercial, educational and regional centres along the route.
🚆 Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Bengaluru and Mumbai flagged off @RailMinIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw @SWRRLY https://t.co/o1M5z50Y92
— ChristinMathewPhilip (@ChristinMP_) November 1, 2026
With a journey time of 16 hours and 10 minutes, the Vande Bharat Sleeper offers a faster alternative for passengers travelling between Bengaluru and Mumbai. However, the substantial fare difference compared with existing trains means travellers will have to weigh the time saved against the additional cost.
Safety at the forefront, comfort at every step! The #Bengaluru–#Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper combines advanced safer technologies with a modern travel experience. #VandeBharat_Sleeper @SWRRLY @RailMinIndia @PIBBengaluru https://t.co/zul2NcIhS9
— DRM Mysuru (@DrmMys) November 1, 2026
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